Why Boarding Up Doors and Windows Is Necessary
Before a storm, you should board up all windows and doors. This can help protect your property from theft and vandalism.
A vacant building is a prime target for thieves, vandals and squatters. A professional board-up should include carriage bolts which are only removed from the inside, and they will be measured to the door frames.
Protection from vandals
Vacant properties can be an ideal target for vandals, thieves, and squatters. The act of boarding up a property that has been damaged, smashed down or destroyed provides the best protection against thieves. This is especially important for businesses and homes which are in the process of renovations or construction. The building might be empty for a while, so boarding up windows and doors (read this blog post from Technetbloggers) will prevent criminals from entering until the work is complete.
A boarding up service will not only protect your property against vandals but also from weather damage. Criminals are attracted to a damaged or broken door or window since they can see inside. A boarding up service will ensure that all windows and doors are shut and that any entry points are secured to stop water, debris and cold air from entering the structure.
Plywood is typically used as a boarding up solution, but it does not provide the same level of protection as steel security screens. Plywood is usually affixed to the wall using screws that are easily removed by offenders with the appropriate tools. However, the specialized anti-tamper fixings that are used to fix steel screens in place are very difficult to remove without the appropriate tool.
In addition, securing the entry points to your vacant investment property using steel screens is less expensive than plywood boarding. The small upfront cost of the materials is minimal when compared to the possibility of loss or damage caused by a break-in or act of vandalism in a vacant building.
Additionally, a professional boarding up service near me up service can install doors that are secured with locking mechanisms. These locks will keep squatters and criminals away, and also give homeowners peace of mind when they are away on vacation. It's important to have a family member or a neighbor keep an eye on the property frequently to ensure that it's being taken care of. These simple measures can keep burglars away from targeting your home or business. The most important thing is to take proactive measures to protect your investment property before issues begin.
Animal protection
The boards provide protection against animals that might try to gain access to your property due to a variety of reasons, such as shelter for the night or just curiosity. If an animal gets inside the home, it can cause a wide variety of problems, ranging from structural damage to health hazards. Boarding up windows and doors can aid in keeping dangerous animals out while keeping pets and children secure. It is important to note however that openings on second and higher floors should not be boarded when they are only accessed by ladder or are accessible from adjoining properties, stairwells or fire escapes.
Protection from the elements
The act of boarding up and burglary repairs up windows and doors shields them from wind and debris damage during an incoming storm. It also helps prevent vandalism and burglaries. Based on the nature of the weather, a house or business owner can decide if it is appropriate to put up the doors and windows. The earlier the boarding is done and the better protection the property will be given.
Boards can be secured with screws or nails. It is recommended to use nails that are long enough to penetrate the plywood and reach the door frame. Alternatively, you can use steel security doors which are wedged in place using friction and anti-tamper screws. This makes it difficult to take the panels off with a crowbar and provides the same degree of security as traditional timber boards.
It is essential to analyze the situation before taking the time to make sure that the appropriate materials are used and to determine the best method for handling the situation. This will help you save time and money while ensuring the best level of protection. The assessment should include assessing the location's vulnerability, identifying the potential for problems and determining whether reinforcement is necessary. To make the process of emergency boarding up near me simpler and safer, it is important to remove any obstructions and furniture from the area.
Once the site is ready to be boarded the team will prepare the door and frame by cleaning the surface, removing all hardware and making any necessary repairs. The area must be sanded in order to achieve a smooth fit and aid in helping the boards resist the forces of wind and other forces. To avoid confusion, it is an ideal idea for the plywood boards to be branded with the name of the window or door they are meant to be fitted.
After marking the boards after marking them, they are cut to size. They will then be installed over the openings or vulnerable areas of the structure. Screws should be placed every few inches to keep the boards securely. It is a good idea to drill pilot holes prior to inserting the screws to avoid splitting and make it easier to insert. The boards are then solidly secured with caulking to reduce leaks and enhance weather resistance.
Protection from pests
A vacant building is an invitation for raccoons, squirrels and mice to seek shelter or food. These animals can cause a lot of damage to your property and pose health risks which include spreading diseases. By boarding doors and windows to stop creatures from entering your home and creating damage.
It's not enough just to board up the entry points. You also need to seal any gaps around your structure. For instance, rodents can get through gaps that are less than 1/16 of an inch wide, and spiders can crawl into cracks that are about the size of one quarter. Installing weather strips and door sweeps on all doors that are outside will reduce gaps.
It's also a good idea to remove organic debris from the areas around your home or commercial property. For instance, keep mulch and pine straw from the foundation of your home and trim tree branches between 12 and 14 inches from the roof and siding, and remove any weeds growing in or close to the base of your building. This will stop insects from getting into your property and causing more damage.
Air curtains are a different method to stop pests from entering an empty space. This is a huge industrial ceiling fan that blows air across windows, doors, and entryways. This keeps flying insects and other pests from getting in the space, and is a good idea to use it in areas like back shipping doors or drive-thru windows at restaurants.
Remember that it is not required to put up a board on openings that are higher than the 1st floor, unless the openings are accessible and can be used as a fire escape or stairwell, or both. It is also recommended to not board up windows and doors in a building that is occupied by squatters, because this could create the impression of abandonment and attract criminal activities. If you're not sure what to do with an empty property seek out a professional boarding service to seal any gaps and create the impression that the property is still in use.